Monarch Larvae monitoring class

[texas butterfly]

I'm really excited in going to my class on Monarch Larva Monitoring Project next month.
This is being done at the state convention for Texas Master Naturalists.

There is a requirement that you have to be a Texas Master Naturalist to attend the class.
However, you may be able to look in your area and see if there are other Monarch classes being held.

I'm in my rookie year of raising Monarchs this year, so wasn't prepared to test butterflies for OE.
However, next year I plan to expand my role and start testing Monarchs that I raise for OE.
The Texas population is supposed to only have a 7% infection rate if I recall the number correctly.
It will be interesting when I start testing if I find this number to be accurate. I'd also like to capture wild Monarchs if possible and test them also.

Here is description of class:
Since 1997 naturalists and citizens from throughout the US have been part of the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project (MLMP), a Citizen Scientist effort to better understand the distribution and abundance of monarch butterflies. In this training you will learn about the methods and results of this project, along with how to become involved in collecting valuable data for this nation-wide program that helps scientists determine the health of monarch populations and factors that influence monarch numbers. You'll see tested examples of field- and inquiry-based projects that provide exciting and relevant learning opportunities for your audiences. Hands-on practice with methods of the project protocol, milkweed ecology and monarch biology, yearly life cycle, migration and over wintering will be included. Participants will receive the knowledge and tools to help them implement the MLMP or other monarch/habitat studies at their chapter locations. (Class Cap 20).